Another 5 deaths on N9 in Karoo

KAROO NEWS - Another five people have lost their lives, while 13 others sustained serious injuries, in a collision between two vehicles on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Aberdeen in the early hours of this morning, Monday, 13 January.

A Toyota Quantum minibus with 13 occupants travelling from the Western Cape and a Renault SUV with five occupants travelling towards Aberdeen collided head-on 30 km from Graaff-Reinet.

Four of the five occupants of the Renault died on the scene while the fifth died in hospital in Graaff-Reinet.

The 13 injured occupants of the Toyota Quantum are also being treated in hospital in Graaff-Reinet. Two are in critical condition and 11 sustained serious injuries.

The driver of the Quantum is among those injured.

The cause of the accident is still unknown and authorities are searching the scene for clues and examining the vehicles. Eyewitness statements will also be taken.

A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Graaff-Reinet Police Station for further inquiry.

Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has expressed his condolences with the grieving families and wishes the injured passengers a speedy recovery.